[Verse 1] There's a blue dress on the closet door, The one you always liked. My daughter's fixing up my hair, Says, “Mama, you look nice.” I put on just a touch of perfume, The kind you used to know. Funny how a little scent Can take you years ago. [Verse 2] I can see you at our first dance, Trying hard to hide your hands. You stepped twice upon my new shoes, Then asked me for one more chance. You said, “If I get to grow old with you, I'll have everything I need.” But growing old was one more thing You had to leave to me. [Chorus] I kept my promise, I stayed. When every part of me wanted to follow, I got up every morning And somehow made tomorrow. I learned to set one place, I learned to sleep on your side. You made me promise I would live, So, darling, I tried. I kept my promise. I stayed. [Verse 3] I watched our babies have their babies, Held each one for you and me. There were birthdays, graduations, An empty chair on Christmas Eve. They'd laugh and say, “She's doing good now.” I suppose that's what it seemed. Nobody knew how many nights I still talked to you in my dreams. [Chorus] I kept my promise, I stayed. When every part of me wanted to follow, I found a reason every morning To make it through tomorrow. I laughed when something was funny, And sometimes meant the smile I gave. You made me promise I would live, So I lived the life you gave. I kept my promise. I stayed. [Bridge] You were scared there at the ending, But not half as scared as me. You pulled me close and whispered, “Don't you quit when I have to leave.” I said, “How am I supposed to do this?” You said, “One day at a time.” Then you made me swear I'd keep on living After you let go of mine. [Verse 4] My daughter's sitting here beside me, Holding tight onto my hand. She thinks that I am looking past her, At the window by the stand. But there's a young man in the doorway With that same crooked little smile. And for the first time in forever, I haven't hurt in quite a while. [Final Chorus] I kept my promise, I stayed. Through every lonely night and tomorrow. I carried both our memories Through every joy and sorrow. I loved the life you left me, Though I wished you were there too. You made me promise I would live— And I did. I lived for you. [Outro] My daughter asks me, “Mama, What is it that you see?” I smile toward the doorway... “You haven't changed a bit.” I kept my promise, darling. I stayed.
